Dear Ladies and Gentleman,
 

The percentage of renewable energy sources of the whole electricity consumption could be boosted from 11,5% in 2006 to 14% in 2007. In 2007 the renewable energy sources contributed to the heat supply nearly 6,5% (2006: 6,0%). 6,0% of the whole heat supply in Germany are delivered by bioenergy. In 2007 it was possible to avoid CO₂ -emissions of 18,5 t. Hereof it is especially the wood energy sector which ist a holding pillar of the renewable energy technologies in the heat market. 

To continue denoting such growth rates, it will be essential how the amendment of the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) will be formulated. Another essential act for the future of bioenergy in Germany will be the Renewable Energy Heat Act (EEWärmeG). The third important paper is the Renewable Energy Directive of the European Union, which was published in January. Dr. Heinz Kopetz from the European Biomass Association (AEBIOM) will present the most important parts of this directive and discuss the consequences with the participants of the conference. Maybe we will even be able to have a look on the amendment of the 1. Emissions-Directive (1.BImSchV) and evaluate the consequences for the plant construction. Hopefully we will be able to discuss all new acts and directives on our wood energy conference in Augsburg together. 

In the heat market never before has there been such a big demand for modern wood heating systems as seen in recent years. Until 2007 already 90.000 pellet plants and more than 1100 biomass heating plants have been installed. The development of this innovative and eco-friendly technology depends strongly on the promotion of such technology using market incentive programs, thus absorbing a portion of the high investment costs. That´s why it is very exciting how the German government will form the new Renewable Heat Act. 

Furthermore, themes such as the funding of wood energy plants, regional biomass mobilisation and several best-practice examples are covered. This year, nearly 300 national and international delegates are expected, representing all aspects of the wood energy industry, surely guaranteeing not only an intensive exchange of information, but also serving to further networking within the industry, uniting the economic, political and scientific communities. Together, the international trade-fair "IHE® WoodEnergy 2008" and the BBEconference of the same name, have established themselves as leading national conferences devoted to the topic of wood energy. I look forward to your visit.

Helmut Lamp  
Director of the board
German BioEnergy Association (BBE)